FAQ and RATES
Q: What kind of support to you offer? Are you a doula?
A: YES! I believe that everyone deserves compassionate care and practice inclusive support for all, including LGBTQ+ affirming support. I recently participated in Ancient Song Doula Services course to provide full spectrum doula support to all clients, including pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. I am also trained with DONA in Postpartum Doula work, with certification coming soon.
I love supporting birthing people, whatever shape or form.
Q: What's included in a photo or video session? How soon will I receive my photos?
A: For births, I will join you in active labor and stay for at least an hour after your baby arrives. Maternity, First 48 Hour sessions, or family lifestyle sessions are normally around 1 to 1.5 hours. Within a few days of our shoot I will send you proofs of at least 10 unedited images. After 2-4 weeks I will send you a private, download link with all of your digital images to use as you see fit. Some packages also include prints, others may be available for purchase.
For videos, please allow an extra 2 weeks for delivery. Other photo products are available by request, including photo books and albums.
Q: How do I book a session? Do you require a deposit?
A: Say hello and book your session thru the CONTACT form on this site or send an email to hello@gwenschroeder.com with your details and / or due date. Upon booking a session, I ask for 25% deposit to hold your date, payable by Venmo, Paypal (friends and family to avoid fees), or check. For births, it's important to hold your date with a deposit because I can only book a birth a month. That allows me to stay on call for you from 38-42 weeks, 24/7.
Q: What type of equipment do you use?
A: I shoot with the Sony A7R III camera for both photo and video, with either a small flash or video light (if you agree to that ahead of time). All images are captured in RAW format and processed with Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop CC. Videos are created with Adobe Premiere Pro CC and uploaded to the Captured Vimeo page for viewing. I can also help upload to your own accounts, too.
Q: What if I have a cesarean?
A: Every birth is beautiful and worth capturing, no matter how you deliver. The photos and video from my own unplanned cesarean were a crucial part of my emotional healing. Please include your birthing team or healthcare provider in your plans to hire a birth photographer and / or doula. Most hospitals allow for photography in the operating room but may have other rules regarding who can join you in that space. In some cases, I can capture your baby's first moments that you may miss from the operating table. If I'm not invited into the OR, I will follow you or your baby into recovery or the nursery right after delivery. It is important to many providers to find a better balance for the family in cesareans, so many photographers are making their way into ORs around the country.
RATES
Maternity, First 48 Hours, Postpartum, Newborn or Family Sessions -- packages starting at $400, with video $650+
Birth Photo and Video -- packages starting at $1750, with video $2250+
Postpartum Doula -- $50 an hour
If the rates are beyond your means, please share your situation. Payment plan options are available.
Discounts for LGBTQIA+ / BIPOC / disabled families are available.